Letter: We need Victor Leal in office

I remember years ago when I first met Victor Leal (a GOP candidate for state Senate/District 31) in Muleshoe.

From our first conversation, I could tell Leal was the real deal, and I thought to myself, “We really need this guy in public office.”

Over the years, I have had many more conversations with Leal, and I’ve grown to know him very well. For some time, I’ve considered him one of my closest friends. I cherish the long hours we spent on fishing trips, and our deep conversations ranging from ethics, family, and morals to politics and religion.

Through all the time I’ve spent getting to know Leal, I’ve become further convinced of one thing: The person I met so many years ago is the same person today. He has not allowed the power or greed that often accompany success to corrupt his morals or ethics.

Many have lost faith and trust in our political process. I’m often asked how I go about deciding who to support in an election; my answer is always the same: I want to know the person, not the practiced politician, but the real person. I want to know their morals and ethics, and the thought process they will use to make decisions.

I want to know that they’ll base their decision on what is the right, not the way the political winds are blowing. I want to know they treat every person the same and that every voice is heard. My dear friend, Victor, without a doubt, fulfills all of these characteristics.

I know his heart and passion to help others, and I know he is a strong man of faith and moral character.

He truly has a servant’s heart, and has not forgotten the ones who helped him along the way, nor has he forgotten the principles and values that made him who he is today.

I wish Victor the best in his efforts, and I am honored to call him my friend.

^

Larry Combest

Lubbock

Editor’s Note: Combest is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives/District 19.